New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his third State of the State Address in Albany yesterday, focusing on gun control, rebuilding from Super-storm Sandy and the state’s minimum wage. Cuomo was careful to try to temper what could be viewed as a liberal agenda with support for creating more jobs and strengthening New York’s economy to try to appeal to both sides of the legislative aisle. But one issue that Cuomo avoided talking about in detail was gas drilling in New York State. Cuomo has repeatedly said he would hold off until the Department of Environmental Conservation finishes its review, probably in late February. As expected, Cuomo pressed for tougher gun laws, including an assault weapons ban.
The subject of gun control also came up during Senator Kirsten Gillabrand’s visit to Owego Tuesday. She said it’s important to prevent criminals and the mentally ill from getting access to guns. Gillabrand also said one important measure she’s pushing for on the federal level with respect to New York are laws against gun trafficking.
Gillabrand said there isn’t even a federal law against gun trafficking currently. She says she wants to make it a federal crime, and also put in place measures to trace guns used in crimes back to gun dealers. But she said these measures shouldn’t affect legal gun owners.
Gillabrand added that she would also push to ban access to military-style weapons and would like to see the Government invest more in mental health.
